Meet Toby Brown, a 16-year-old inventor who’s already raised $1 million, moved to Silicon Valley, and launched a startup called Beem. His goal? To make technology feel more human. And his journey is proof that you don’t need to wait to start building the future.
What does it take to build something big? A degree? Years of experience? A perfect plan?
Not always.
Sometimes, it just takes curiosity. And a little courage.
From Raspberry Pi to Real Impact
Toby grew up in London. At age seven, he was gifted a Raspberry Pi, a tiny computer that sparked something big. While most kids were playing games, Toby was creating them. He built math puzzles, alarms, and quirky gadgets. He didn’t follow a textbook. He followed his curiosity.
As he got older, Toby kept building. He created tools to help with schoolwork, organize tasks, and even automate essays. He wasn’t just solving problems.. he was designing better ways to learn, think, and create.
That mindset led him to Beem, a new kind of AI platform that helps people interact with technology in a more natural way. Instead of switching between apps or typing long commands, Beem lets users get things done quickly and intuitively. It’s smart, simple, and designed to feel like a helpful companion.
Why Silicon Valley?
In 2024, Toby moved to California to grow Beem. He was drawn to the energy of San Francisco and the spirit of innovation in Silicon Valley. There, he found mentors, collaborators, and a community of builders who shared his passion.
He also teamed up with Marc Porat, a tech visionary known as the “father of the smartphone.” Together, they’re working to reshape how people experience and interact with the digital world.
But Toby’s journey isn’t just about tech. It’s about mindset. He believes that being young isn’t a limitation, it’s an advantage. Young people, he says, are full of fresh ideas and bold thinking. They’re not afraid to ask questions or challenge the way things have always been done.
“It’s Good to Be Delusional”
One of Toby’s most viral quotes is: “It’s good to be delusional.” And honestly? He’s right.
Because what some people call delusion, others call vision.
To imagine something that doesn’t exist yet to believe you can build it, isn’t foolish. It’s powerful! Every breakthrough starts with someone who dared to dream differently. And often, that someone is young enough to still believe the rules are bendable.
Toby’s confidence isn’t arrogance, it’s fuel. It’s what helped him raise $1 million. It’s what helped him build AI Club, a Discord community with over 1,000 members, including engineers, researchers, and students. It’s what keeps him moving forward, even when things get hard.
What Gen Z Can Learn from Toby Brown’s Story
Toby’s story is just relatable. He didn’t wait for permission. He didn’t wait to be “ready.” He started small, stayed curious, and kept building.
Here’s what we can learn from him:
- Start with what you have: A small idea can grow into something big.
- Stay curious: Ask questions. Try things. Learn by doing.
- Don’t fear failure: Every mistake is a step forward.
- Believe in your voice: You don’t need to be older to be taken seriously.
Toby reminds us that creativity has no age limit. The real key is to trust your instincts and take that first step.
The Future Is Already Being Built
The Times named Toby one of the most inspiring people under thirty, alongside Lando Norris and Maisie Peters. Even UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called him “the embodiment of change.” But Toby isn’t chasing titles. He’s chasing impact.
And that’s what makes his story perfect for Youngthare.
Because Youngthare isn’t just a platform, it’s a movement. A space for Gen Z to explore, express, and build. Toby’s journey fits right in. It’s a reminder that the future isn’t something we wait for. It’s something we create.
So if you’ve got an idea, a question, or a dream.. don’t wait! Start building. Start exploring. Start being a little “delusional.”
Because sometimes, that’s exactly what the world needs.
